The Nigerian Navy on Saturday, 20th September 2025, held its Third Quarter Route March at the Naval Base, Abuja, with a strong message on physical fitness, professionalism, and commitment to national security.
Delivering the goodwill message on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Chief of Operations, Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu, said the exercise was designed to keep personnel physically and mentally fit to meet the dynamics of contemporary security challenges.
He noted that the Route March, held once every quarter, was also aimed at fostering esprit de corps, boosting self-confidence, and providing an avenue for relaxation.
“The performance we have witnessed today guarantees that the Nigerian Navy will continue to meet its constitutional commitments in collaboration with other security agencies to improve national security and prosperity,” Rear Admiral Nwatu stated.
Highlighting the Service’s efforts in 2025, he listed exercises such as OBANGAME EXPRESS, FLINTLOCK, and GUINEX V, which were conducted to strengthen partnerships with regional and global maritime stakeholders, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea.
Speaking to journalists after the exercise, the CNS representative underscored the importance of the march in addressing prevailing security challenges.
“The significance of this route march to the security challenges we are facing in this country right now? Well, thank you so much. As you know, the quarterly route march we organize is part and parcel of the Chief of Naval Staff’s strategy to keep the men fit at all times,” he said.
He explained that Vice Admiral Ogalla has ensured that, while the Navy remain deployed across all theatres of operations and in the maritime domain, personnel must remain physically and mentally prepared. “That is why within every quarter, not just in Abuja, but across the country, our personnel engage in marches of this nature and other rigorous exercises to stay ready to meet the nation’s security needs,” he added.
On other activities apart from the quarterly route march, the representative stressed that both local and international exercises are carried out regularly. “There are several other maritime activities and joint exercises with other security agencies, as well as with international partners. As mentioned earlier, we have exercises like OBANGAME EXPRESS, CROCODILE LIFT, AFRICAN NEMO and many others. As we move toward the end of the year, more exercises are lined up, all built towards ensuring our personnel are ready to maintain presence across our maritime domain,” he stated.
The CNS further charged personnel to remain professional in their conduct, avoid acts that could bring the Service into disrepute, and maintain respect for human rights and cordial relations with civilians.
The message concluded with commendation to all participants for successfully completing the exercise. “Bravo Zulu to all those who took part in this Route March. This is a clear demonstration of your readiness to render support when called upon,” Rear Admiral Nwatu said, before declaring the exercise closed.
